Red Fort

In 1638 Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. It is enclosed by a rubble stone wall, with bastions, gates and wickets at intervals. Of its fourteen gates, the important ones are the Mori, Lahori, Ajmeri, Turkman, Kashmiri and Delhi gates, some of which have already been demolished. His famous citadel, the Lal-Qila, or the Red Fort, lying at the town's northern end on the right bank or the Yamuna and south of Salimgarh, was begun in 1639 and completed after nine years. The Red Fort is different from the Agra fort and is better planned, because at its back lies the experience gained by Shahjahan at Agra, and because it was the work of one hand. It is an irregular octagon, with two long sides on the east and west, and with two main gates, one on the west and the other on the south, called Lahori and Delhi gates respectively. While the walls, gates and a few other structures in the fort are constructed of red sandstone, marble has been largely used in the palaces.

From the western gateway after passing through the vaulted arcade, called Chhatta-Chowk, one reaches the Naubat- or Naqqar-Khana ('Drum-house'), where ceremonial music was played and which also served as the entrance to the Diwan-i-'Am. Its upper storey is now occupied by the Indian War Memorial Museum.

The Diwan-i-' Am ('Hall of Public Audience') is a rectangular hall, three aisle deep, with a façade of nine arches. At the back of the hall is an alcove, where the royal throne stood under a marble canopy, with an inlaid marble dias below it for the prime minister. The wall behind the throne is ornamented with beautiful panels of pietra dura work, said to have been executed by Austin de Bordeaux, a Florentine artist. Orpheus with his lute is represented in one of the panels here. Originally there were six marble palaces along the eastern water front. Behind the Diwan-i-' Am but separated by a court is the Rang-Mahal ('Painted Palace'), so called owing to coloured decoration on its interior. It consists of a main hall with an arched front, with vaulted chambers on either end. A water-channel, called the Nahr-i-Bihisht ('Stream of Paradise'), ran down through it, with a central marble basin fitted with an ivory fountain. The Mumtaz-Mahal, originally an important apartment in the imperial seraglio, now houses the Delhi Fort Museum.

The Diwan-i-Khass ('Hall of Private Audience') is a highly-ornamented pillared hall, with a flat ceiling supported on engrailed arches. The lower portion of its piers is ornamented with floral pietra dura panels, while the upper portion was originally gilded and painted. Its marble dias is said to have supported the famous Peacock Throne, carried away by the Persian invader Nadir Shah.

The Tasbih-Khana ('chamber for counting beads for private prayers') consists of three rooms, behind which is the Khwabgah ('sleeping-chamber'). On the northern screen of the former is a representation of the Scales of Justice, which are suspended over a crescent amidst stars and clouds. Adjoining the eastern wall of the Khwabgah is the octagonal Muthamman-Burj, from where the emperor appeared before his subjects every morning. A small balcony, which projects from the Burj, was added here in 1808 by Akbar Shah II, and it was from this balcony that King George V and Queen Mary appeared before the people of Delhi in December 1911.

The Hammam ('Bath') consists of three main apartments divided by corridors. The entire interior, including the floor, is built of marble and inlaid with coloured stones. The baths were provided with 'hot and cold water’, and it is said that one of the fountains in the easternmost apartment emitted rose water. To the west of the Hammam is the Moti-Masjid ('Pearl Mosque'), added later by Aurangzeb. The Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh ('Life-giving garden'), with its pavilions, lies to the north of the mosque, and was later considerably altered and reconstructed. The red-stone pavilion in the middle of the tank in the centre of the Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh is called Zafar-Mahal and was built by Bahadur Shah II in about 1842.

In 1644, Shahjahan commenced in Delhi his great mosque, the Jami'- Masjid the largest mosque in India, and completed it in 1650. Its square quadrangle with arched cloisters on the sides and a tank in the centre is 100 m. wide. Built on a raised plinth, it has three imposing gateways approached by long flights of steps. Its prayer-hall, with a facade of eleven arches, flanked by a four-storeyed minaret on either end, is covered by three large domes ornamented with alternating stripes of 'black and white marble.

Entry Tickets and Timings

Visiting Hours: 9:30AM to 4:30PM daily (except Monday)

Entry Fee: Rs.10/-(For Indian Citizens) and Rs.150/- (For foreigners)

Entry Fee for Sound and Light Show: Rs.50/-

Light and Sound Show

Every evening there is a spectacular display of history and events related to the city of Delhi in the form of light and sound show organized at the Red Fort. This has become a major tourist attraction at this place as the show brings back the life to the history surrounding the Red Fort. Department of Tourism, Government of Delhi puts special efforts to enchant the crowd with this beautiful and well planned show. History is displayed at this show right from the times of Pandavas when Indraprashtha was founded with the mention of likes of Druapadi, Prithviraj Chuahan, Sher Shah Suri, Razia Sultan, Humayun, Bahadur Shah Zafar and the era of British. Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show has been a attraction point for the audiences from a long time and has enthralled the people who come to see the show with the tale of the Delhi city, rise and fall of empires & emperors and all this melodrama combined into a streamlined show.

Red Fort Delhi Light and Sound Show is a one hour spectacle shown in Hindi & English language with a half an hour gap in between the two shows in an evening. The show has been timed pleasantly in the evening with timing adjusted forward or backward by and hour or so according to the season. The entry ticket is also suitably priced at Rs. 60 for adults and Rs. 20 for children on weekdays and Rs. 80 for adults and Rs. 30 for children on weekends and public holidays.

The royal ambience of Purana Qilla combined with the modern technology and special effects makes the show a one of its kind and the audiences are made to feel like they have travelled in time and reached those old times as displayed in the show. Specific features of the fort are related and credited to the specific ruler at the throne of the fort at that particular time, e.g., the towering walls and the huge entrance are related to Sher Shah Suri and so on. The show was started in October 1996 and has been a huge success since then. The show is seen as the connection of modern times with the old times of Mughal era and other rulers who took Delhi to realms of high status and made Delhi the corridor of Power. Tourists coming to Delhi follow this show with mach fanfare and zeal round the year.

Architectural Design

The marble structure and the rich interiors of the fort make it a perfect representation of Mughal architecture. The shape of the fort looks like an octagon and the axis on the northern and southern region is longer than the one in the eastern and western direction. Set up on a sprawling 254.67 acres, this fort has a lot of decorations in the floral pattern and double domes all over. The defence walls run up to 2.4km. There are lots of bastions and turrets on the walls. On the side of the river, the fort stands up to 18m tall and on the city side, the fort is up to 33m tall. This fort is a perfect blend of Iranian, Indian and European art work. It is believed that the reputed Kohinoor diamond is a part of the furniture here. This fort was included in the “national importance monument” category during 1913. The use of ornaments in this fort belongs to the typical style of monuments built during the rule of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and this fort speaks volumes about the country’s rich history.

The general public used the Delhi Gate and Lahore gate of this fort, whereas the Khizrabad gate was used by the royalty. The Chatta Chowk was found in the path that leads from the Lahore Gate at the main entrance. This was a bazaar that housed many shops and it was believed that silk, jewelry and other items used by the royal members were brought from this Chowk. The open area to which this bazaar leads is the point at which the military functions and the palaces separated to the west and east of the fort respectively. Towards the south of this area, one can find the Delhi Gate.

Important Structures

Lahore Gate

The Lahore Gate forms the main entrance of the Red Fort. It is from this place that the Prime Minister of India delivers a speech during the Indian Independence Day every year right from the year 1947 onwards. This gate is named in such way because it is highly oriented towards Pakistan’s Lahore district. These gates are believed to have undergone severe damages in the form of bastions during Aurangzeb’s rule. The security in and around this area was beefed up during the 1980s as the tower windows were blocked to avoid sniper attacks. Thereby, the gate also got a lift added to it.

Diwan-i-Aam

The Diwan-i-Aam was used to refer the Hall of Public Audiences. This hall was grandly decorated with stuccowork and had many gold columns. A huge railing separated the Emperor and the common people. It was in this hall that the Emperor sat on an alcove with a canopy and listened to the complaints, issues, requests or suggestions of the general public through a balcony (jharoka). The place was also big enough to conduct state functions. There is a big courtyard, known as mardana at the back of this hall that houses many beautiful structures.

Diwan-i-Khas

The Diwan-i-Khas was used to refer the Hall of Private Audiences. It was at this hall that confidential meetings with ministers or guests to the state were held by the Emperor. The rectangular chamber of the halls has intricately carved arches at the entrances that rest on strong piers. These piers are decorated well and adorned with the floral designs. The roofs are covered with pillared umbrellas at the corners. The reputed ‘Peacock Throne’ that was initially located right at the center of the rectangular chamber was stolen by Nadir Shah when he took over this place during 1739. One of the two marble pedestals that were robbed during the Great Mutiny of 1857 is currently in the New York Metropolitan Museum. During 1760, to pay for the freedom of Delhi from the Afghan invader, Ahmed Shah Durrani, the Maratha kings melted the silver ceiling of Diwan-i-Khas. The walls are decorated with holy verses from the 9the century. Right through the middle of the hall, the paradise stream, known as Nahr-i-Bihisht flows adding to the beauty of the place.

Nahr-i-Behisht

These are the private apartments that are found at the back of the throne. These apartments are set up on an elevated level, overlooking the Yamuna River, on the east side of the fort. All these pavilions have the stream of paradise, known as Nahr-i-Bihisht, flowing across them. The water from these apartments come from the Yamuna, drawn from a tower known as Shahi Burj, that is situated towards the north east of the fort. This place is designed as per the holy Quran’s definition of paradise. According to the Quran, there is a couplet which says “if there is a paradise on earth, it is here”. It is this verse that is inscribed in many places of this palace. Though the architectural patterns are a perfect blend of Mughal and Hindu styles, the entire designing belongs to that of Islamic type. This place contains the best architectural style of all structures in the Red Fort.

Zenana

Zenana, in the Mughal period was used to denote the women’s quarters. The two quarters are found towards the extreme south of the pavilion. One is the Mumtaz Mahal, which is now functioning as a museum and the other is the Rang Mahal which is characteristic of its marble work, elegant interiors and ceiling.

Moti Masjid

Moti Masjid means Pearl Mosque. This is found towards the west of the Red Fort. This was a separate additional structure built during 1659 and served as the private exclusive mosque of Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. This mosque is made of pure white marble and has three domes. The screen of the mosque has three arches which lead to the courtyard.

The measurement of the Pearl Mosque is 12m of length, 9m of width and 8m of height. This mosque constructed for the personal use of Aurangzeb had prayer mats made from black marble situated at a slightly elevated level from the floor. These prayer mats were also known as “musallas”. There are three domes on this mosque that were initially given a plating of copper. The door towards the east of the mosque contains leaves coated with copper. The womenfolk of seraglio were also using this mosque in the earlier days.

Hayat Bakhsh Bagh

Most of the West Asian countries built gardens around their structures to resemble paradise on earth. This influenced the Mughal emperors too as the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh or the “Life-Bestowing Garden” was designed round the Red Fort. Tanks, fountains, tunnels, pavilions and all other structures that complemented the garden were designed here as well. Flowering plants and trees of different colors and species were planted here. After sunset, the garden took on a different look as they were brightly lit-up. Another small garden, Mehtab Bagh or the Moonlight Garden can also be found inside the Red Fort. The Savon and Badhon stands are the pavilions that are found towards the north and south channels respectively. During 1842, there was an additional two more pavilions that were constructed by Bahadur Shah Zafar, the final Mughal Emperor. One of these is still functional and can be found towards the eastern wall.

Attractions near Red Fort

Chandni Chowk Market

This market is one of the most ancient markets in the country. This was set up as early as 17th century by the great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The design of the market was given by his daughter, Jahan Ara. During the early days, these markets had canal separators which aggravated their beauty during moonlight, however, now these canals are not being operational. This is one of India’s biggest whole sale markets. This market is found right at the center of the walled city and runs from Lahore Gate to Fatehpuri Masjid. A canal was constructed during the early days during the middle of this area and was providing water to the surrounding areas.

Nai Sarak

This is a place that has to be visited to buy stationery items. There are lots of pencils, folders, books, scrap material, materials for decorating and many more items that one can find at Nai Sarak. The folders available here are SOLO and Shipra brand types. There are lots of textile shops in this area as this area is famous for its silk saris and lehengas.

Lal Kuan

This is a place that is famous for hardware and kitchen equipment. A place near Lal Kaun is the Tilak Market which is famous for its chemicals that are sold for industrial purposes.

Dariba

This is the market that is famous for its gold and silver jewelry shops. Hare Ram Hare Krishna and MM Jewelers are some of the most reputed names in the jewelry industry at Dariba.

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

There are 9 Gurudwaras in Delhi and this is one of them. This was constructed during 1783 in memory of the death of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh. This Gurudwara is located right in the heart of Chandni Chowk. This has been set up on the very place where Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh was beheaded during 1675 by Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb because the Guru had refused to convert to the religion of Islam.

The one that we see today was built during 1930. This Gurudwara still protects and saves the tree beneath which the Guru was beheaded. There is also a well here from which the Guru took water for bathing during his prison life. A police station, Kotwali is found in close proximity to the Gurudwara. It was here the Guru was sent to jail and the Sikh disciples had to undergo lots of torture at the hands of Mughal rulers.

Muslim Sunehri Masjid

This mosque was constructed during 1721 when the place was ruled by Mohammed Shah. This was constructed by Roshan-ud-Daula Zafar Khan. On 11th March, 1739, the notorious invader from Persia had passed a cruel order of Katl-e-Alam (shoot at sight) which resulted in the deaths of around 30,000 people. It is believed that he stood on top of this mosque to supervise the killings.

Jama Masjid

This is the largest mosque in the country and is found in Chandni Chowk. Chandni Chowk is a market that is buzzing almost continuously with different kinds of whole sale items ranging from food to textiles that have intricate mirror work, chikan and zari work. One can also find stalls that sell clothes, electronic items, household equipment, jewelry, shoes, books and everything from a pin to plane. Though this place is over-crowded most of the times, lots of people come here to do some window-shopping and to taste the lip-smacking local delicacies sold here. The original Haldiram’s shop can be found here. Jalebis are the local sweets and they are a hot favorite among tourists. Pure ghee is used for frying these sweets.

Red Fort Tour Operators

New Kashmir Travels
Address: No. 29,
Red Fort, Delhi - 110006

Sahiba Travels India
Address: Shop N0. 8,

Bharti Daffatar,
Azad Hind Market, Red Fort,
Red Fort, Delhi - 110006

Sahil Travel Agency
Address: Shop No. 7,
Azad Hind Market,
Red Fort, Delhi - 110006

Shri Balaji Tour & Travels
Address: Shop No. 10, Bharti Daffatar,
Red Fort, Delhi - 110006

Abhinandan Tours
Ram Nagar,
Loni Road, Jaiswal Marg,
Shahdara, Delhi - 110032

Goel Tourist
Address: Shop No. 43/1,
Azad Hind Market,
Chandni Chowk, Delhi - 110006

Malhotra World Travels
Address: Shop No. 12,
1st Floor, Sindia House,
Connaught Place, Delhi - 110001

Banjara Satguru Travels
Address: Shop No. 10,
Azad Hind Market, Red Fort,
Chandni Chowk, Delhi - 110006

Aeration Travels
Address: Office No. 7A,
Ground Floor, Arunachal Building,
Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, Delhi - 110001

Aggarwal Pankaj Travels
Address: Shop No. 16,
Fatehpuri, Delhi - 110006

Air Line Travels
Address: Shop No. 38,
Azad Hind Market, Chandni Chowk, Delhi - 110006

Alun Travels Private Limited
Address: #301, Ansal Laxmi Deep Building,
Laxmi Nagar, Shakarpur, Delhi - 110092

Angel Holidays
Address: Office No. SCF-11,
Nehru Bazaar, Paharganj, Delhi - 110055

Baba Deep Singh Travels
Address: Shop No. 17,
Azad Hind Market ,
Chandni Chowk, Delhi - 110006

Bakhsi Transport Service Pvt. Ltd.
Address: Office No.468,
Old Lajpathrai Market,
Chandni Chowk, Delhi - 110006

Bhagwati Express Private Limited
Address: Shri Laxmi Chamber,
Desh Bandhu Gupta Road,
Paharganj, Delhi

Bholenath Travels & Tours
Address: Plot No. 5076, Main Bazaar,
Paharganj, Delhi - 110055